HT View: Sack VC, save Mumbai University

The university was busy trying to clean up the mess it had made of the degree examinations by starting online assessment without proper preparation.

The mess at the University of Mumbai, one of India’s oldest, is getting worse. Now it has missed the deadline to apply for a fresh rating from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). The ‘A’ grade rating awarded in April 2012 was valid for five years and is no longer applicable, though the university’s website still displays this grade, misleading students.

If the university applies to NAAC in November for fresh accreditations, the ratings may come in only at the end of the academic year. (HT File)

Why did this happen? The university was busy trying to clean up the mess it had made of the degree examinations by starting online assessment without proper preparation. This callousness has already cost students dear. All the results have been delayed. Some are yet to be declared. Those that have been are full of errors.

If the university applies to NAAC in November for fresh accreditations, the ratings may come in only at the end of the academic year. That will be too late for students, who look at a university’s national ratings before making a choice of institutions to apply to. The university may not get access to central government funds either.

The vice-chancellor has been sent on leave. He should be sacked and someone competent appointed immediately to save the university.